Try the Y and be on your way to New Year's resolution success

As you change your calendar from December to January, there’s always a bit of a thrill in the promise of a new year that’s full of potential. The New Year is a chance to start fresh and say goodbye to any of the frustrations the previous year held—a perfect opportunity to make resolutions that will help strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body.

However, many of us find our resolutions thrown out along with the holiday decorations. It’s no wonder—starting the New Year by making sweeping cuts to our diets and declarations that we’ll hit the gym seven days a week doesn’t exactly set us up for success!

As a leading community service organization, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA (FSPY) wants to help you fulfill your resolutions in 2019. That’s why we’re inviting the community to try our Y from December 31 to January 6. Community members can participate in several special family events, including a dinner and dance jam, Family Zumba, Family Ninja Warrior and Family Swim, and adults are welcome to try a number of FSPY’s group exercise classes. During this time, FSPY also will be waiving its Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $100. Learn more about FSPY’s Try the Y Week at fspymca.org. FSPY is located at 1340 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.

FSPY also wants to remind you that by reframing resolutions and breaking them down into smaller, easy-to-sustain goals, you’ll see big benefits in the long run. Here are a few tips to get the new year off to a great start:

• Move More: It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.
• Swap a Soda a Day: It may be difficult but cutting soda can do wonders for your body. If you can’t cut it entirely, resolve to swap one soda a day for a large glass of water instead. Once you’ve been able to swap one out, see if you can cut soda entirely.
• Schedule Family-Time: With work, school, and activities family-time may seem like an impossible ask, but see if your family can have a “screen-free” night with no phones, video games, etc. Instead, use that time to play a board game, play outside or visit with family and friends.
• Volunteer Your Time: Giving back and supporting neighbors can benefit everyone involved. Not only is it a personally rewarding experience to help others in need, but it’s also a way to meet new people or discover an interest. Find an opportunity in your community, such as reading to children at the library or distributing food at a local food bank. The YMCA also has a number of volunteer opportunities available.
• Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs.

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The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information on membership or programs, or to request a schedule of classes, please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.